Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and creating welcoming spaces where people love to spend time?
Do you enjoy leading a team, developing a successful retail business, and making a meaningful difference in your local community?
The Faith Mission Bookshop in Ballymena is much more than a bookshop. It is a welcoming place where people from all walks of life can explore the Christian faith, discover quality books and resources, enjoy excellent coffee and food, and share conversations about Jesus Christ in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Located in the heart of Ballymena town centre, our well-established Bookshop has a loyal customer base and an exciting vision for the future.
We want to build on our strong foundations as a Christian charity by offering an outstanding range of trusted Christian resources, exceptional customer service, and a warm atmosphere that attracts both existing customers and new visitors, making the Bookshop a destination renowned for its quality, hospitality and community connection.
To help us realise this vision, we are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Bookshop Manager who can inspire a team, drive commercial success, and ensure every customer receives a warm welcome and an exceptional experience.
If you are an experienced retail leader with a heart for serving people, a passion for Christian ministry, and a desire to use your skills to support the mission of The Faith Mission, we would love to hear from you.
This is more than a retail management role—it is an opportunity to create a welcoming place where people can encounter the love of Christ, access trusted Christian resources, enjoy genuine fellowship, and engage in conversations about faith in a relaxed and caring environment.
Our vision is for the Ballymena Bookshop to be recognised not only for its excellent quality, outstanding hospitality, and inviting atmosphere, but also as a vibrant Christian witness at the heart of the community.
Through excellent stewardship of the Bookshop, we seek to create a destination where lives are enriched, relationships are built, and the good news of Jesus Christ is shared with grace, warmth, and authenticity.
As part of this vision we are currently recruiting for a skilled Bookshop Manger with:
- previous experience of retail in a bookshop or hospitality venue with excellent ability to consistently deliver high quality service
- attention to detail – excellent presentation skills while ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained.
- creativity and innovation – the ability to bring new ideas & promotions to improve the experience of existing customers and attract new customers
- excellent customer skills – ability to understand and deliver customer expectations and needs
- excellent organizational skills – able to order and manage stock and stock control; work with approved suppliers to source quality merchandise and products
- willingness to work as part of a team and a personal Christian faith — being able to speak about your faith in Jesus is a core part of our vision here at the Faith Mission.
- availability and flexibility to work extra hours, weekends/shifts as required
This is a part time, 30 hours per week role ( including alternate Saturdays), with a good level of flexibility and willingness to cover various shifts, holidays and sick days as required.
A good level of physical fitness and stamina will be required for this role, as you are on your feet most of the day and lifting/moving equipment and products.
Our Manager will play a pivotal part in ensuring our customers will love their time in the Faith Mission Bookshop and return again.
Key to this is effectively running the bookshop while optimizing the use of the premises to support the evangelistic objectives of the Faith Mission.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the bookshop, ensuring a welcoming environment for customers.
- Manage and train staff, fostering a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Implement effective merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and sales.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain high standards of cleanliness.
- Utilize strong communication and organizational skills to streamline administrative tasks and improve customer service.
We cannot accept overseas applications for this role, unless you have the right to work in the UK already secured.
Upon receipt of your interest in the position an Application Form will be emailed to you which must be completed and returned to us for your application to progress.
Closing Date: Monday 27th July 2026
Application forms must be requested and returned by this date/time.
Interviews scheduled for w/c 3rd August 2026
Pay: £13.67 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- What is your knowledge about the work and ethos of The Faith Mission in the UK?
- Do you have a proven ability to operate effectively in a demanding, fast-paced team environment while maintaining a high level of attention to detail?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Retail sales: 3 years (required)
- Budgeting: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
